Sport24.az
Gabala has signed a 1.5-year contract with striker Ismaeel Akinade. According to Sport24.az, the Nigerian forward, who last played for Andijan in Uzbekistan, made a statement to the club's official website:
"I haven't had a chance to see the city yet. However, the club itself looks quite professional. The base is also very good. I am looking forward to my first official game in the team. I hope we will achieve good results. I want to help the team."
Akinade did not have much information about Azerbaijani football before coming to Gabala: "I was excited when I received an offer from Gabala because I had never played in this country before. I always like new challenges, testing myself. I look forward to it. I was excited to join the team. I know that Gabala is a big club. Although it has not had its best days in recent years, I believe that it will return to its former place."
I had very little information about Azerbaijani football. I have some friends who know this team and the league. One of my friends told me that Gabala is a big club. It is a good opportunity to work for the success of this club."
The Nigerian forward promised to do his best for the team's success: "The main thing is to win as many games as possible. This is a team game, not an individual game. I always have my own personal goals, but the main priority is the team's results. Of course, as a striker, you want to score as many goals as possible. But sometimes this may not be possible, it is also important to assist and help the defense. These also help the team. You have to be careful when making promises to the fans. It's football, anything can happen here. Therefore, the only thing I can promise is that I will give 100 percent in every game. Everything else is in God's hands. I hope we will achieve the results we deserve. Everyone is doing their best on the training ground. Players, coaches, as well as the administrative staff - everyone works for the club. I hope that the fans will come to every game and support us. Their support gives the team extra strength. I believe that we will reward them with good games and results."
Akinade said that he has adapted to the weather in Gabala: "I grew up in Dublin, Ireland. The weather in Gabala and Ireland is almost the same. I am used to this weather. Rain, cold - it may seem boring, but this kind of weather is normal."
